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Chavs
- The Demonization of the Working Class
- Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
- Length: 11 hrs and 15 mins
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Summary
In modern Britain, the working class has become an object of fear and ridicule. From Little Britain's Vicky Pollard to the demonization of Jade Goody, media and politicians alike dismiss as feckless, criminalized and ignorant a vast, underprivileged swathe of society whose members have become stereotyped by one, hate-filled word: chavs. In this acclaimed investigation, Owen Jones explores how the working class has gone from 'salt of the earth' to 'scum of the earth.' Exposing the ignorance and prejudice at the heart of the chav caricature, he portrays a far more complex reality. The chav stereotype, he argues, is used by governments as a convenient fig leaf to avoid genuine engagement with social and economic problems and to justify widening inequality. When Chavs was first published in 2011 it opened up the discussion of class in Britain. Then, in the public debate after the riots of that summer, Owen Jones's thesis was proved right - the working class were the scapegoats for everything that was wrong with Britain. This new edition includes a new chapter, reflecting on the overwhelming response to the book and the situation in Britain today.
What listeners say about Chavs
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- Mr
- 07-04-17
A really good listen, and do right in many ways
I had never thought about the class war happening in the UK before but this throws it into sharp relief. A great listen, but does start to feel it is hammering the same point over and over. But it's an important point.
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20 people found this helpful
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- Ross K
- 22-09-19
interesting and well researched
Lots of myths exposed. It is clear how the establishment have pitted the poor against each other and blamed them for their own poverty.
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5 people found this helpful
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- Mrs Su Underwood
- 13-04-23
Needs an update
It told me nothing that I didn’t already know and, although still relevant, offered no plausible suggestions for how things can be improved. The irony of Rachel Johnson being one of his interviewees was not lost on me..
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2 people found this helpful
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- Osian Lewis
- 09-12-18
Illuminating work into the UK class structure
Insightful and valuable: an impressive culmination of Jones' journalistic research on class in the UK.
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- Goldie Horne
- 12-04-18
An Educational Listen
Memorable facts - the narrator was clear and concise. Also he distinguished the clash of class within the British Society.
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- mrs
- 11-03-18
The portrayal and betrayal of the Working Class
Where does Chavs rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
The portrayal and betrayal and ultimate genocide of the White Working Class.
Driven by fear and loathing this is a real gut wrenching insight into the relentless state sponsored attacks on the White Working Class of Great Britain.
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- Ace Ken
- 02-12-17
Important subject matter for anyone living in Britain
An interesting perspective on the way the working class are viewed by the wider society, and how this perception came to being. However, wish the narrator didn’t voice the accents of the people quoted in this book, it detracted from the subject at hand and was annoying. This book could have been summarised better as it was repetitive at times. Overall, some great subject matter that needs to be talked about more.
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8 people found this helpful
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- Oliver Green
- 16-02-20
Nice one Jones
I enjoyed this. It gave me mixed emotions. Definitely worth a listen and nice to hear that others share me views on the subject.
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- Miss A. M. Pinks
- 16-02-22
He makes a good story but too biased
I'm from the working class and I worked my bottom off to get out that situation and in whatever way I could. Because I'm from that background I know many who were considered working class who never in their life have ever intended to lift a finger when they're getting money for free. And unfortunately I know 90% more like that than the 10% of people who did something about changing their circumstances. There was some great facts and history in this book but attitude of the people is in the way and I believe thats why more and more people are siding for the conservatives who look after those who really are striving for more. No regrets listening to this but it seemed a large blame game on the government when we know where there's a will theres a way and unfortunately there's a large lack of will for the people this book talks about.
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- Binky
- 15-09-22
Brilliant.
Very good read and gives plenty to think about. Chavs puts the influence of class squarely as a major theme, because ultimately this is the biggest factor in life opportunities, with the working class right at the bottom with very little indeed.
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